By Cecilia Holling

Graduation is a time of joy, bittersweet tears, and a time

you’ll treasure for many years! Through your life you

will often reflect on your past. Knowing where you’ve

been and mindful of how you continue to grow will shape

your bright future. Celebrate today, at this wonderful

crossroads of your life, where your past intersects your

future and your potential beams and lights the way like a

stellar galaxy yet to be discovered.

As you walk forward, with your diploma of life thus

far, draw on your knowledge, learn from failures and

successes and celebrate today aiming higher into

tomorrow with confidence as you discover your life’s

calling and move toward your aspirations.

Take many moments to honor your growth, character and

faith, giving thanks when you recognize divine life lessons.

Celebrate as you grow in patience, charitable works,

and soberness. Rejoice in your ability to steer away from

judgment of others and humbled in the way you carry out

your ministry of life!

You are now a graduate, of age, who will make many

independent decisions. You will find that life is no longer

a child’s institution where there is a teacher, parent,

counselor or principal giving foundational directives. You’ll

find that your parents’ or guardians’ role will continue to

adapt to your maturity, watching with pride as you spread

your independent wings.

Continue to feed your heart and soul by surrounding

yourself with positive and spiritual people so that your

personal growth will abound and astound. We were all

created with special gifts from God, each different in skill,

tone and temperament. Each day finely tune, polish and

continually search to improve and share the gifts you

possess with others.

Every step you take is an opportunity for another to follow.

Whether it is a friend, family member, stranger or child you

have influential power and God has given you the grace to

go and to do what you cannot do on your own.

Look to tomorrow with excitement as you make plans

to contribute your best to the world. But today, cherish

the gift of the present, protect God’s earth and honor His

commandments. Find peace in the quiet, nurture and feed

your relationships, and in your own personal garden of life

plant and cultivate great seeds of faith.

Congratulations!